Common Baby Rash Guide: Types, Causes, and Effective Treatments

From time to time, you may see a rash forming on your baby’s delicate skin. Find out what some of the most common rashes are in newborns and babies, and learn what you can do about them. Although rashes aren’t something that can be completely prevented, there are some things you can do to help reduce the risk of certain rashes occurring. We’ll cover all this and more, so read on!

What Is a Rash?

A rash is a swelling or irritation of the skin that may make the affected area look red or discolored. These areas may be harder to see on darker skin tones. It may also appear as tiny dots or spots of redness or discoloration, and you may be able to feel these spots extend above the skin as bumps. It may be itchy and sometimes accompanied by a fever. Keep in mind that a skin rash can arise from various factors and may require immediate medical attention.

In this article, we’ll cover the most common rashes affecting babies. However, not all rashes are listed, so contact your baby’s healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your baby's skin.

What Can Cause Baby Rashes?

There are many reasons why a rash might appear on your baby’s skin, including:

• Insects and insect bites

• Allergies

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Viruses

• Heat

• Moisture

• Irritation

• Friction

• Saliva

• Urine

• Stools

• Teething.

How to Know If Your Baby Has a Rash?

Rashes in babies might appear in many forms, making it challenging to recognize them initially. Some signs to watch for include:

• Spots on infant skin that might appear as red, pink, discolored, or even colorless bumps (they may be harder to see on darker skin tones). For instance, colorless or raised bumps may sometimes be related to heat or irritation.

• Dry spots on baby skin that feel rough to the touch, which might be due to moisture loss or mild irritation.

Each type of rash may look and feel different, so it’s important to monitor any changes. If a rash worsens or causes concern, consult your baby’s healthcare provider for guidance.

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What Are the Most Common Rashes in Newborns and Babies?

In this section, we describe some of the more common rashes and skin conditions involving rashes in newborns and babies:

Diaper Rash

What does a baby diaper rash look like? Diaper rash can manifest as red or discolored patches of skin in your baby’s diaper area, which may be less noticeable on darker skin tones. It can sometimes present with bumps. Affected areas may include the lower abdomen, bottom, genitals, and folds of the thighs.

What causes diaper rash? The four main causes of rash include overhydration, stool, skin pH disruption, and friction. Urine and stool are the primary contributors to skin rash in the diapered area, as prolonged contact with those in soiled diapers can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance and lead to irritation. Enzymes in stool can further increase the skin’s pH level, breaking down protective lipids and proteins, which causes redness or discoloration, and discomfort.

Overhydration—prolonged wetness in the diapered area—weakens the skin’s barrier, making it more prone to damage, chafing, and microbial growth. Another of the four main causes, friction, can be due to tight-fitting diapers or clothing can worsen irritation and discomfort. For example, wearing diapers that are too small may lead to skin marks due to pressure and reduced absorption.

Another cause of diaper rash might include teething which can indirectly contribute to diaper rash by increasing saliva production, which can alter stool composition and frequency.

Other factors that might contribute to diaper rash include diaper size and fit, allergy, bacterial, yeast, or viral infections, and antibiotic use.

Prevention: Diaper rash typically clears up in three to four days if what’s causing the rash is alleviated. To help prevent diaper rash, regularly change the wet or soiled diaper as soon as possible. Cleanse your baby’s diaper area with alcohol-free and pH-balanced wipes or alternative solutions of your choice, and dry your baby’s skin. As a treatment option for diaper rash, your healthcare provider might recommend a topical product such as a diapering cream. Contact your baby’s healthcare provider if the rash is accompanied by a fever, if the rash doesn’t get better after a few days, or if the rash looks particularly bad.

Baby Acne

What does baby acne look like? Small red, white, or darker pimples or inflamed bumps might develop on your newborn’s face, usually on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. In some cases, baby acne all over the body may also appear such as on your little one's back and chest. It typically shows up between two to four weeks after birth. What causes baby acne? The cause of baby acne is hormones the little one is exposed to before birth. Treatment: While baby acne treatment isn’t usually necessary, it helps to avoid using lotions or oils on your baby’s skin, as these may worsen the condition. Baby acne generally clears up on its own without leaving scars. In the meantime, gently cleanse your newborn’s skin with water and a mild baby cleanser.

Eczema

What does eczema in babies look like? When your little one has eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, you may notice dry, scaly skin with areas of discoloration—appearing red or darker than their natural skin tone on areas like their face, the insides of the elbows, or behind the knees. Eczema in babies may appear after the first month and is often more common on the body than the face. These patches may range from mild to very itchy, which may cause discomfort for your baby.

What causes eczema? Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to eczema. Some babies inherit dry, sensitive skin, while others may develop eczema baby heat rash due to their immune system’s reaction to environmental irritants like pollen. Allergies and sensitive skin may also increase the likelihood of baby eczema.

Treatment: If you suspect your baby has eczema, pay a visit to their healthcare provider, who may prescribe a prescription ointment or an over-the-counter cream. To help treat eczema or prevent it from reoccurring, make sure to eliminate or avoid what is triggering their skin and keep moisturized.

Hives

What do hives on babies look like? This itchy rash may appear as raised bumpy patches or welts with pale centers and might sometimes look like bug bites. This rash may look red or pink on lighter skin tones but may be harder to see on darker skin tones. Baby hives may show up in just one area or spread across the body, and they may even change locations from one hour to the next, making it challenging to track. What causes hives? Hives in babies may commonly triggered by:

• Allergic reactions to foods (like shellfish, peanuts, or tree nuts), medications, or insect stings.

• Environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures, sun exposure, or contact with certain chemicals.

• Stress, anxiety, or exercise.

• Infections, including viruses or some illnesses.

• Physical pressure on the skin, such as from sitting too long or carrying a heavy item.

Treatment: Mild hives often resolve on their own. Avoid identified triggers. Antihistamines may be recommended to reduce itching or prevent breakouts. For persistent cases, a doctor may suggest stronger treatments.

Ringworm

What does ringworm look like? Ringworm in babies may appear as red, pink, silver, or darker scaly patches of skin (depending on your skin tone). These scaly patches are usually oval or round. If it shows up on your baby’s scalp, it may cause temporary hair loss in that area. Ringworm might sometimes be mistaken for dandruff or cradle cap. If your baby is over 12 months old and has a scaly rash on their scalp, it’s more likely due to ringworm rather than cradle cap. Your baby’s healthcare provider may confirm the diagnosis. What causes ringworm? Despite the name, this infection is not caused by worms. Instead, a fungus is responsible for ringworm in babies, which may appear on the scalp or other areas of the body. The infection spreads through person-to-person or animal-to-person contact. To prevent spreading, avoid sharing your baby’s combs, brushes, hair clips, or hats with others in the household.

Treatment: If you suspect ringworm, consult your baby’s healthcare provider, who may prescribe a cream or recommend an over-the-counter option for baby ringworm treatment. With proper treatment, ringworm should begin to clear up within about a week.

Food Allergy Rash

What does a food allergy rash look like? A baby food allergy rash may appear as hives or red patches on the skin and may sometimes be accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, which are potential signs of a food allergy.

What causes a food allergy rash? As the name suggests, the rash may develop if your baby is allergic to a certain food. Treatment: If you observe any of these symptoms, avoid the food that may have triggered the reaction and consult your baby’s healthcare provider.

For baby food allergy rash treatment, it’s best to remove the suspected allergen and seek advice at your next appointment. When starting your baby on solids, try offering one new food at a time over three to five days to monitor for any signs of food allergies.

Cradle Cap

What does cradle look like? Technically known as seborrheic dermatitis cradle cap, may show up as scaly patches on your baby’s scalp in the first few weeks of their life. It might also appear elsewhere, such as on your baby’s neck, armpits, behind the ears, or even around the diaper area. What causes cradle cap? While the exact cause is unknown, one theory is that babies get cradle cap due to the production of excess oil (sebum) in the oil glands and hair follicles, which may trap dead skin cells. A yeast (fungus) called Malassezia, which grows in the sebum along with bacteria might also contribute to the condition. Treatment: If the condition is present on your baby’s scalp, washing their hair and softly brushing out the scales might help control the condition. Sometimes you may need a special shampoo prescribed by your baby’s healthcare provider to help clear it up. Cradle cap normally goes away within a few months.

Roseola

What does roseola look like? The symptoms of roseola, a contagious viral infection, include a pink or red rash that may be harder to see in darker skin tones. It usually consists of small spots or bumps that tend to be flat and may appear on your baby’s trunk and sometimes on their arms and neck. The rash follows a fever and cold/flu-like symptoms. Roseola is most common in children who are under the age of 2. It takes about 10 days for the initial symptoms to show up after the point of infection. What causes roseola? Roseola is caused by a virus. Treatment: If your baby has a fever, contact their healthcare provider for advice on how to bring down the fever.

Your baby’s healthcare provider may also recommend some tests like a blood count or urine analysis to help make a diagnosis.

When your little one has a fever, it’s best to keep them away from other children to prevent the spread of the infection.

Drool Rash

What does drool rash look like? Drool rash, also called lip licker’s contact dermatitis, is a form of eczema in which your baby’s saliva may irritate their skin and lips, creating a rash around the mouth.

What causes drool rash? Saliva from excessive drooling may cause this rash. This type of rash may happen when your baby is drooling a lot because of teething, for example. This is why it’s sometimes called a teething rash.

Treatment: To help with the baby drool rash treatment, wipe your little one’s face often if they’re drooling heavily. Using an absorbent bib that may be changed frequently will help keep the area clean and dry. You might also apply a barrier ointment, like petroleum jelly, to protect the skin. A cold compress may relieve any discomfort. If the drool rash is severe, oozing, or persistent, consult your baby’s healthcare provider for further recommendations.

Milia

What does milia look like? Milia in babies appears as tiny white or yellow spots (cysts) (depending on their skin tone) on your newborn’s face, often on the cheeks, chin, or tip of the nose. What causes milia? This condition occurs when skin flakes become trapped beneath the surface, resulting in these small bumps. Treatment: Baby milia treatment isn’t typically necessary, as the bumps usually disappear on their own within the first two to three weeks. To care for baby milia, gently wash your baby’s face once a day with warm water and a mild cleanser. Avoid scrubbing or picking at the skin, and refrain from applying lotions or oils to the affected area, as this may irritate the skin further.

Scabies

What do scabies look like? Scabies in babies may appear differently depending on age. In infants, you may notice sparse, fluid-filled bumps often limited to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In older babies, these bumps may appear alongside reddish burrow tracks on the skin. What causes scabies? The scabies rash is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, laying their eggs. The rash typically develops within about two to four weeks of the tiny mites laying their eggs. Treatment: If you suspect scabies in your baby, consult their healthcare provider, who may perform a gentle skin scraping to test for mites. If scabies are confirmed, the provider will likely prescribe a lotion to be applied to the entire body. Since scabies spread easily, the healthcare provider may recommend that all family members undergo treatment to prevent reinfection.

Impetigo

What does impetigo look like? Impetigo in babies is a contagious infection that appears as a round, red rash, typically on the nose, mouth, and ears. The rash often forms blisters that eventually crust over. As long as the rash is present, impetigo is contagious, so it’s important to keep your baby from close contact with other children and avoid touching the rash to help prevent the spread of the infection. What causes impetigo? Impetigo may be caused by staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. The bacteria could possibly enter the skin via a cut or an insect bite, but sometimes the infection may form on otherwise healthy skin. Treatment: Your little one will need antibiotics to treat the infection, and their healthcare provider will order a test to find out which bacteria caused the infection, which will help determine the right course of treatment.

Miliaria

What does miliaria look like? You may see small inflamed bumps or sweat blisters in the folds of your baby's skin. Depending on your skin tone, the rash may appear red on lighter skin, or grey, white, or hard to see on darker skin. What causes miliaria? Also known as heat rash or prickly heat, miliaria typically happens in hot and humid climates, or if your baby is overheated from being overdressed. Treatment: These bumps usually go away in a few days.

Erythema Toxicum

What does erythema toxicum look like? With this common rash, often called E. tox, your baby could have multiple red splotches with yellowish-white bumps. This type of rash appears in the first few days after your baby is born. What causes erythema toxicum? The exact cause of this rash is unknown. Treatment: The rash clears up on its own in about a week, though you may notice that it briefly goes away and then flares up again before clearing for good.

When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider?

While many rashes in babies are mild and may resolve with home care, some symptoms indicate it’s best to consult your baby’s healthcare provider. You should seek medical advice if:

• The rash is accompanied by a fever, as this might signal an infection that may need medical attention.

• The rash worsens, spreads, or doesn’t improve after a few days of at-home care.

• You notice symptoms such as blisters, open sores, or oozing fluid, which could indicate a more serious infection or allergic reaction.

• The rash appears infected, with signs like redness, warmth, swelling, or pus, which may require antibiotic treatment.

• Your baby shows other signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing or swelling, which could suggest a severe allergic reaction or another urgent condition.

A healthcare provider may offer a proper diagnosis and recommend safe baby rash treatments if needed. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always best to reach out to a medical professional.

The Bottom Line

Seeing a rash on your baby’s skin can be worrisome, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms. Figuring out what may have caused the rash isn’t always so simple. That’s why it’s a good idea to check with your baby’s healthcare provider, who can diagnose the rash and suggest the most effective treatment. Soon enough, your little one’s skin will be smooth and kissable, and you can get back to entertaining your baby by blowing “raspberries” on their healthy skin!

To help prevent diaper rash, choose diapers that offer the right fit, excellent absorption, and breathability to protect your baby’s delicate skin. Pair this with a gentle cleaning routine using wipes to keep the diaper area clean and fresh. Don’t forget to be rewarded for all those inevitable diaper purchases with the Pampers Club app.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}